UTSA Holds Off South Florida 31-24 Behind A’Marion Peterson’s Three Touchdowns

Thursday Night Football in the American Conference

South Florida battled until the final seconds, but UTSA delivered a late touchdown to secure a 31-24 victory over the Bulls in a hard fought college football matchup. The Roadrunners leaned on a powerful rushing attack, led by A’Marion Peterson, who scored three touchdowns, including the game winning one yard run with just 15 seconds remaining.

South Florida responded with several big plays of its own, but UTSA made the decisive play late to come away with the win. The teams traded points throughout the contest, with South Florida taking an early lead and continuing to answer UTSA’s scoring drives. However, the Roadrunners controlled the fourth quarter for much of the period before the Bulls briefly tied the game in the closing minutes.

South Florida and UTSA Trade Early Touchdowns

South Florida struck first, putting together a 10-play, 65-yard drive that ended with D.J. Crowther breaking into the end zone on a 15-yard touchdown run with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter. Nico Gramatica added the extra point to give the Bulls a 7-0 advantage.

UTSA answered with an explosive play of its own. Peterson broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run, finishing a five play, 78-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7 with 3:13 left in the opening quarter. The Bulls responded late in the first quarter when Michael Van Buren Jr. connected with Bryson Rodgers for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Gramatica’s extra point restored South Florida’s lead at 14-7 with just 11 seconds remaining in the period.

UTSA moved the ball effectively in the second quarter but settled for a 26-yard field goal by Michael Petro, cutting the deficit to 14-10 with 9:53 remaining in the first half. South Florida answered with a sustained 12 play, 60-yard drive, capped by Gramatica’s 24-yard field goal with 1:58 left before halftime. The kick sent the Bulls into the break with a 17-10 lead.

Peterson Leads UTSA’s Second Half Comeback

UTSA began the second half with another productive possession, marching 75 yards on eight plays. Peterson finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run, and Petro’s extra point tied the game at 17-17 with 10:28 remaining in the third quarter.

The Roadrunners continued to apply pressure, putting together a 13-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Petro converting a 41-yard field goal. UTSA took its first lead of the game, 20-17, with 2:04 left in the third quarter.

South Florida struggled to regain the advantage as UTSA controlled possession and continued to move the chains. The Roadrunners opened the fourth quarter with another lengthy drive, covering 57 yards over 13 plays before Petro connected on a 31-yard field goal with 8:21 remaining.

The kick extended UTSA’s lead to 23-17 and capped a drive that consumed 7 minutes and 45 seconds, keeping South Florida’s offense on the sideline for a significant stretch of the fourth quarter.

South Florida Ties the Game, but UTSA Wins It Late

Facing a six-point deficit, South Florida needed a response and delivered one with a 12-play, 75-yard drive. Van Buren Jr. found Crowther for an 11-yard touchdown pass with 1:56 remaining, and Gramatica’s extra point tied the game at 24-24. The Bulls appeared to have done enough to force a dramatic finish, but UTSA had one final opportunity.

The Roadrunners marched 75 yards on 10 plays, using 1 minute and 41 seconds to put themselves in position for the decisive score. Peterson capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run with just 15 seconds remaining. Instead of attempting a conventional extra point, UTSA executed a two-point conversion, with David Amador II completing a pass to make the score 31-24. South Florida had little time left to respond, and UTSA held on to secure the seven-point victory.

Peterson’s Three Touchdowns Make the Difference

Peterson proved to be the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, breaking loose for a 53-yard touchdown in the first quarter before adding a three-yard scoring run in the third. His final touchdown, a one-yard plunge in the closing seconds, delivered the victory. Petro also played an important role for UTSA, converting field goals from 26, 41 and 31 yards to help the Roadrunners stay within striking distance before taking control in the second half.

For South Florida, Crowther contributed two touchdowns, scoring on a 15-yard run in the opening quarter before catching an 11-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth. Van Buren Jr. connected with Rodgers for the other Bulls touchdown on a 42-yard strike. Despite producing enough offense to remain competitive throughout the game, South Florida could not find a defensive stop on UTSA’s final possession.

What’s Next for South Florida?

South Florida will look to regroup after letting a late opportunity slip away. The Bulls showed they could generate explosive plays through the air and on the ground, but UTSA’s ability to sustain long drives proved costly, particularly in the second half.

For the Roadrunners, the victory showcased their rushing attack and composure in a pressure-filled finish. Peterson’s final touchdown and the successful two-point conversion ultimately separated the teams in a game that remained tied until the final minute. UTSA escaped with a 31-24 win after a dramatic fourth-quarter finish, while South Florida was left searching for answers after surrendering the decisive score with only 15 seconds remaining.